Bruce Facts and Legends

Dispelling a few myths

By Colin Maxwell

Date Confusion

At Edinburgh Castle, a plaque states that Edinburgh Castle was captured by Thomas Randolph, Robert the Bruce’s nephew, in 1313, whereas modern textbooks claim it was in 1314. Strangely, both are correct. In the Middle Ages, New Year began on March 25th, so in the time of The Bruce, it was 1313 when Randolph captured the castle. By modern calendars, the year would be 1314. By the time the Battle of Bannockburn occurred later that year, New Year’s Day had passed, and it was 1314.

The plaque at Edinburgh Castle.

Robert the Bruce inspired Batman

Bruce Wayne, the secret identity of comic superhero Batman, was named after two historical characters - Robert the Bruce and Anthony Wayne (a senior officer in the American Revolutionary War). Bill Finger, one of the co-creators of Batman named the character and also designed his distinctive cowl. It is not known if the story of Robert the Bruce hiding in a cave had any influence on Batman’s lair, the Batcave.

Batman perches on the City Chambers overlooking Dunfermline Abbey in this artwork by Colin Maxwell.

Bruce's toe bone was 'stolen'

When The Bruce's remains were rediscovered in 1817 at least one of the toe bones was taken from the skeleton. It is thought that several fingers and teeth were also taken by relic hunters. One toe bone ended up in the possession of damask designer Joseph Neil Paton, who proudly displayed it in his home in Dunfermline amongst other curiosities.

Joseph Neil Paton lived in Wooers’ Alley Cottage and had a museum of curiosities which he allowed others to visit. Artwork by Nic Rossert from The Dunfermline Story.

The Bruce suffered from a mystery illness

Robert the Bruce is believed to have suffered from a debilitating illness that occasionally left him weak and unable to walk. The Bruce visited many sacred wells, including the one at Scotlandwell, to drink the waters in an effort to cure his affliction. Several historians have suggested The Bruce had leprosy; however, other historians refute this and claim it to be a lie that was spread by The Bruce's enemies.

The site of the well at Scotlandwell. Image by Colin Smith used under a Creative Commons licence.

The legendary spider

One of the most famous stories about Robert the Bruce is the legend of him seeing a spider attempt to build a web in a windy, damp cave, and being inspired to never give up by the tiny creature’s continued efforts. The story was popularised in Sir Walter Scott’s publication ‘Tales of a Grandfather’; however, some researchers suggest that the story was originally about Sir James Douglas, the King’s most loyal commander.

The spider scene depicted in the King Robert the Bruce comic drawn by Michael Philp.

Robert the Bruce was crowned twice

Robert the Bruce was crowned at Scone in 1306, however a second crowning took place the following day when Lady Isabella MacDuff arrived to perform the ceremony. It was the long-held right of the Clan MacDuff to crown the Kings of Scotland, and Lady Isabella defied her husband, who opposed Bruce, and made the journey to Scone to enact her clan’s rightful duty.

The crowning scene depicted in the King Robert the Bruce comic drawn by Michael Philp.

Robert the Bruce’s heart visited Spain

King Robert the Bruce was never able to journey to the Holy Land, so he instructed that after his death his heart should be taken to Jerusalem by Sir James Douglas. However, Douglas never made it that far. On his way to the Holy Land Douglas and his companions became involved in the battle against the Muslims in Grenada. Douglas is said to have thrown the casket containing Bruce's heart into battle before being slain himself. The heart was returned to Scotland and buried at Melrose Abbey. Since the battle in Spain the coat of arms of the Douglas clan has carried a red heart beneath the three stars.

Armour bearing the Douglas arms prior to gaining the red heart. Image by Colin Maxwell.

Streets of Dunfermline

Three streets in Dunfermline were named after The Bruce and his most loyal commanders.

Bruce Street and Douglas Street still remain, but Randolph Street once lay at what is now known as ‘The Gap Site’, where the old Co-op building once stood in Dunfermline High Street. Plans to revitalise this area into a ‘City Square’ have been unveiled and work is expected to begin in 2024. Some people have suggested naming the area ‘Randolph Square’.

An artist’s impression of the ‘City Square’. Image from Fife Council.

The cover image from the reissued King Robert the Bruce comic, available at The Bruce Festival and afterwards at Little Shop of Heroes, 8 Maygate, Dunfermline. Created by Colin Maxwell and Michael Philp.